The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, has assured the victims of the recent fire outbreak at the Asafo Market that the city authorities would work assiduously in alleviating their plights.
He said the KMA was aware of the difficulties the traders had been going through as a result of the loss of their properties and entreated them to remain calm.
Hon. Assibey Antwi gave the assurance when addressing the traders during a courtesy call on him at his office in Kumasi, on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, emphasizing the need for the market to be redeveloped.
He explained the redevelopment is critical in preventing congestion and the perennial fire outbreaks at the Market, one of the most strategic satellite markets in the metropolis.
“In pursuance of this vision, a team of Information Technology (IT) experts would be tasked to compile credible database of affected shop owners and tenants for records purposes. The Assembly would advertise and go through the procurement processes to select a contractor who would be able to construct the market within the shortest possible time,” he assured.
The Kumasi Mayor tasked the Trade and Industry sub-Committee Convener, Hon. Alexander Kesse, who was also present at the meeting, to look for a suitable place not too far from the market to prepare temporary sheds for the affected traders to continue their business.
“In line with this, the traders should nominate three persons to liaise with the Trade and Industry sub- committee on issues bothering the reconstruction of the market, and I urge you to comply for successful arrangements,” he appealed to the victims.
Kumasi Mayor also informed the traders that the Assembly was still waiting for the final report on the recent fire outbreak from the Ghana National Fire service and National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
